Wolves’ current position in the Premier League is a far cry from the optimism that followed their promotion to the top flight seven years ago. The 2024/25 season has proven to be a tough challenge, with the club now entrenched in a relegation battle. Their most recent defeat, a 3-1 loss to Chelsea, marks their third consecutive defeat, and they currently sit in 17th place—only above the drop zone on goal difference. For a club that once appeared on an upward trajectory, this is a concerning dip, and the pressure on manager Vitor Pereira is mounting.

The club’s ongoing struggle has made the January transfer window all the more critical. Wolves have already made one move, securing the services of centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims in a £16.6 million deal. While Agbadou adds some much-needed defensive cover, it’s clear that Wolves require more reinforcements if they are to realistically secure Premier League survival.

Given their current predicament, Pereira is likely desperate to add quality across multiple positions, particularly in the midfield, which has been a key area of concern throughout the season. Wolves have recently been linked with Johnny Cardoso, a defensive midfielder currently playing for Real Betis in Spain. The 23-year-old has had a solid season so far, featuring 13 times in La Liga, and has made a name for himself on the international stage with 18 caps for the United States Men’s National Team. His reputation as a tough, ball-winning midfielder could provide the steel that Wolves need to shore up their midfield and help drive them away from the relegation zone.

However, there is a major complication in Wolves’ pursuit of Cardoso. Tottenham Hotspur have an option to buy the midfielder for €25 million (£21.1 million), a clause that was inserted as part of the deal that saw Giovani Lo Celso move from Spurs to Betis in the summer of 2024. This clause effectively gives Spurs the first option on Cardoso, meaning that if Tottenham chooses to activate the clause, they could snap him up at any point during the transfer window. This puts Wolves in a difficult position, as they will have to move quickly and decisively if they are to avoid missing out on one of their top targets.

For Wolves, the immediate challenge will be whether they can compete with Spurs’ financial power. While Wolves are clearly in need of a midfield reinforcement, their recent spending—most notably on Agbadou—may limit their ability to match Betis’ asking price for Cardoso. If Betis is unwilling to let go of Cardoso for anything less than £21.1 million, Wolves may find themselves in a bind, especially if they don’t want to overextend financially in a bid to avoid relegation.

It’s possible that Spurs may not be focused on making a move for Cardoso in January, as they have other targets in mind, but with the clause in place, they could still swoop in if Wolves make an offer. If Spurs are not actively pursuing Cardoso in the window, it could give Wolves a window of opportunity to act quickly and secure his signature before the end of the transfer period. However, even with the best intentions, Wolves will need to move with caution to avoid overspending on a player who may not necessarily be the silver bullet to solve all their midfield problems.

The next few weeks could be pivotal in Wolves’ survival hopes, and their approach in the January transfer window will be crucial. Adding a player like Cardoso could provide a solid foundation for the team, but they will have to navigate the competition from Spurs and ensure they have the financial backing to make such a move happen. Whether or not Wolves can secure Cardoso, they will likely need to bring in other reinforcements to bolster their squad for the second half of the season. If they fail to act swiftly, they risk slipping deeper into the relegation fight, where even the smallest misstep could see them relegated to the Championship.

The pressure is on for Wolves to get their transfers right, and Cardoso could very well be the key piece they need to secure their top-flight status. However, with Spurs lurking in the background and financial considerations playing a major role, it remains to be seen whether Wolves can pull off this move or if they’ll need to consider other options in the final weeks of the January transfer window.